New Hope Celebrates Announces Leadership Changes For 2023

NEW HOPE, PA —In preparation for the 20th anniversary of PrideFest, New Hope Celebrates has announced changes to its Board of Directors.

Starting immediately, Sharon Fronaberger will take over as vice president of governance, overseeing the nonprofit's compliance with bylaws, operations and processes through the end of 2023.

And Fred White will be the new history committee liaison. He will work with NHC founder Dan Brooks and New Hope Celebrates History (NHCH), which captures and preserves stories of New Hope and Lambertville, N.J.’s LGBTQ+ communities for the NHCH Archive.

“As the VP of Governance, I am honored to rejoin the board during our 20th anniversary year," said Fronabarger of her new role. "The LGBTQIA+ community is facing significant challenges with over 400 anti-LGBTQIA+ pieces of legislation pending at the state level in the U.S. Additionally the Equality Act, which would provide federal protection for the community, has not yet passed, and there are bans on drag performances and books at the local level. New Hope Celebrates is committed to raising awareness and combating fear and misinformation through our events and programs. Our board consists of passionate volunteers who appreciate the past and are dedicated to creating a better future.”

Fred White added, “I look forward to being on the New Hope Celebrates Board. I've always been aware of how much New Hope Celebrates does to support and entertain the local LGBTQ+
community since it was founded in 2003. Since I retired from teaching I've been able to give
back to NHC by volunteering time on the New Hope Celebrates History Committee since
October 2021. I saw firsthand the sincere dedication of my fellow committee members and the
dedication and responsiveness of those on the board. I'm now excited about continuing my
involvement with the history committee and getting involved in my new roles as a board
member."

On the board of directors, Sharon and Fred join Melissa Patterson, president; Ryan C. Segura, vice president of events; Eva Guasconi, vice president of communications; Rich Lucarini, vice president of finance; and NHC board members Roger Green, Jennifer Wohl, Eric Stephenson, John Bell, and Lori Roberto Fine. Lee Hill, Maria Wood and Marjorie Forbes recently stepped down from their positions on the board. More information about applications for the board of directors will follow Pride.

Anyone who hasn’t signed up can volunteer with NHC. The group is looking for individuals with leadership skills to help plan, execute on the day of and complete follow-up tasks for events throughout the year. The NHC Board has specific committees to oversee every PrideFest event,
each chaired by a board member with assistance from volunteers in the community. Click Here or email volunteers@newhopecelebrates.com for information.

PrideFest Events

PrideFest begins with the Flag Unfurling of 150 3x5 Progress Flags over the New Hope-Lambertville Bridge and the 25 by 15 Progress Flag at 4A East Bridge Street on May 13 at 11:30 a.m. The Pride Parade will be held in New Hope and Lambertville, N.J., on May 20 at 11 a.m. followed by the Pride Fair at Pride Park from 12 to 5 p.m. featuring vendors with crafts, jewelry, clothing, samples, giveaways, and activities, plus PrideFest Live entertainment. The Best Cocktail Contest begins May 6 and continues through May 21 highlighting local establishments' creation of Pride drinks made with Tito's Handmade Vodka and Corralejo Tequila.

NHC’s 2023 signature events start with a Service for Justice on Tuesday, May 16 at St Philip’s Church with a social gathering immediately following at the Cub Room, Pride Bingo on Wednesday, May 17 which will be sponsored by Parx Casino and hosted by the Holly Hedge Estate with New Hope’s own Miss Pumpkin as MC, the second "Love Is Love Gala" sponsored by Riverhouse at Odette’s on Thursday, May 18 from 7 to 10 p.m. with an art auction inspired by “The 20th Anniversary of Pride In New Hope – Legendary Icons, Moments and Memories."

The Friday Night Kick-Off Event is a Pride Luau sponsored by Under the Moon Lambertville on
May 19 at 7 p.m. with a DJ, drag, stilt walker, and tarot reader. The Saturday Night Pride
Dance Party is at New Hope Inn & Suites on May 20 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Closing PrideFest is the Sunday Tea Dance & Pool Party on May 21 at 2 p.m.

There will be additional artistic events, educational activities, parties, and more throughout the month. CLICK HERE for more information.

PrideFest Applications

2023 applications are still open for:
● Pride Parade Participants - Due by May 1.
● Partner Opportunities - Available year-round.
● Individual Contributors- Accepted year-round.
● Event Volunteers - Open year-round.
Click the links above to apply and send questions via email to info@newhopecelebrates.com.

About New Hope Celebrates

New Hope Celebrates (NHC) is a nonprofit organization comprised of a Board of Directors
that drives activities and events that serve the diverse LGBTQ+ populace through the creation
and promotion of marketing opportunities, educational activities, and cultural events. Since
2003, NHC has organized events that recognize the strong LGBTQ+ presence in the New Hope
area and celebrated the history and culture of this scenic river town.